EKAM 2025: Connecting virtual learners with real experiences at MUJ 

Online education has revolutionized the way education is looked at today with the most common features including convenience and flexibility. However, people are looking for connections deeper than just reaching out. By recognizing this gap, Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) brought in EKAM, a flagship offline event exclusively for MUJ’s online learners. 

EKAM is a symbol of community, diversity, and oneness, and it brings students together to interact with peers instead of the online screen and schedules they are used to. This year, about 300 students were present at EKAM 2025, converting the campus into a lively mix of narratives, ambitions, and shared experiences.  

The event had students coming from various places, backgrounds, and learning paths to meet their peers, faculty, and mentors in person.  EKAM has today become a well-anticipated tradition of MUJ to display its mission of educating a community of learners holistically and inclusively. 

EKAM 2025 – An overview of the event 

On April 26, 2025, the MUJ campus at Jaipur transformed into a lively center of action, laughter, and meaningful talks. EKAM 2025 has seen hundreds of virtual learners coming to a day full of interaction, inspiration, celebration, and learning. 

It was more than just another event — it was a chance for students pursuing online programs to get in touch with the essence of the university they’ve been a part of virtually. EKAM 2025 made them meet the people and places that had been an integral part of their academic journey remotely. 

Event highlights 

Warm welcomes and keynote speeches 

The day kicked off with a registration procedure and some student-faculty chit-chat while the students were getting to the campus. The icebreaker session was highly effective in reducing the students’ tension and making connections at the very beginning of the event. 

The official welcome was opened by speeches from some of the most recognizable voices from MUJ 

• Dr. N N Sharma, President of MUJ, shared an inspiring thought, stating, “At Manipal, we truly believe in lifelong learning. Our faculty members not only teach online learners but also learn from them. In fact, our faculty itself stands as a living testimonial to the spirit of continuous learning.”
• Dr. Karunakar A. Kotegar, Pro President of MUJ, recognized the special contributions of online learners and said, “Your dedication to lifelong learning and the flexibility you have shown are truly commendable. I also would like to thank the families around, who have encouraged and given the necessary support to you in your pursuit of higher education and better futures.”
• Mr. Ambrish Sinha, CEO of UNext Learning, addressed the students, saying, “Today is your chance to experience the best of both worlds—the flexibility of online learning, and the joy of campus life.” 
• Dr. Mallikarjuna Gadapa, Director – Centre for Distance and Online Education – “You are part of a growing community, and this is a major milestone that reflects not just our size but also the meaningful impact we have made together.”

President Dr. NN Sharma also announced two new initiatives:

• Campus Immersion Program: Students can attend summer school at MUJ, utilize the world-class Bloomberg Fintech Lab, and stay on campus for 7-15 days (more specific duration to be announced). In that, the expense of the learning process will be cut, making it more affordable.
• Online Research Mentorship (Pathfinder Research Program): Students now have the opportunity to collaborate with MUJ teachers on research via an online medium. Students will be given incentives upon publishing or presenting a paper at an indexed conference.

These talks were sprints of motivation that were not only inspiring but also assured the students in a way that they felt seen, heard, and respected. 

Emcee of the day: Setting the tone 

The energy and excitement of EKAM 2025 were hosted in an exceptionally organized way by a dynamic array of hosts – Dr. Priyanka Mathur, Dr. Shweta Gakhreja, Dr. Maani Dutt, and RJ Tamannaa. Their collective charm, warm presence, and communicative interactions resulted in the audience being fully engaged and enthusiastic throughout the day. They started the event with light-hearted stories, then moved on to the participants’ interactions, allowing for some fun to be added to the overall atmosphere. While being a part of both students and faculty alike, their openness gave the entire experience a personal and heartfelt touch. 

Student engagement & classroom interactions 

One of the most interesting parts of EKAM was the in-person interaction between students and their faculty program coordinators. This was for the online students to meet their faculties in real life for the first time. 

These sessions were the place where the learners could: 

• Ask academic questions directly 

• Give feedback on their learning experience 

• Participate in live discussions and peer-to-peer learning 

Every student in the room was touched, comprehended, and uplifted by this activity. 

Campus tour & group photo 

The essence of MUJ simply can’t be felt without a visit to the campus.

Students followed their guide as they went around the university, visited all the academic blocks, student lounges, walking areas and tech-savvy classrooms.

A group photo was taken to commemorate their shared journey in a figurative way, and it also turned out to be one of the day’s most Instagram-worthy moments!

Cultural performances & talent showcase 

After lunch, the platform was loaded with talent and showcasing of culture. The cultural performances that were delivered by students were truly amazing. From classical dances to the music of contemporary: spoken word poetry to acting play, it showed a cross-section of the vibrant diversity of MUJ’s online learner community. 

These performances put on faces that were smiling, people were clapping and there was a feeling of collective ownership that reminded us that creativity knows no boundaries: geographical or virtual. 

Mentorship moments & networking 

During their free time and in-between sessions, students were able to have a one-on-one chat with their mentors and faculty to discuss their career-related questions, reveal their personal growth stories, or even get advice on future opportunities. 

The event also welcomed peer networking, as a result, where students communicated with others from their cohort, exchanged contact numbers, LinkedIn profiles, or even got ideas for joint projects. So, EKAM was not only a medium for students to make academic connections, but also for making friends for life. 

Closing address 

Dr. Kasinathan Subramanian ended the event by expressing his gratitude to all participants and giving a warm vote of thanks. He praised the students, organizers, and faculty for their efforts and enthusiasm and made it clear that EKAM would become even better in the next editions following students’ suggestions. 

Learner testimonials 

Lucky, Online MBA-Batch 8, Manipal University Jaipur

EKAM 2025 will always stay in my memory as an unforgettable event. As an online learner, being able to come to the Manipal University Jaipur campus and meet my classmates and professors face to face was really a bonding experience for me. I was fascinated by the sessions, the energy, and the warmth of the event. I’m grateful to MUJ for creating this platform where we could network, learn, and feel like an integral part of the Manipal community.

Nisha, Online MBA-Batch 9, Manipal University Jaipur

The EKAM 2025 event has been an amazing journey for me. I got to learn from my professors, work with my fellow students, and the experience of visiting the MUJ campus was a very personal thing in my online learning journey.  I have been in the HR sector for 15 years, and this experience, where I connected the campus to the corporates, has also allowed me to talk to other industry experts, particularly those from universities, who have had much more enriching experiences. I am delighted to be associated with the Manipal University Jaipur community!

Gratitude Mission: EKAM goodies as a token of appreciation 

EKAM 2025 event at MUJ could not have been completed with these amazing goodies as a token of appreciation. Every participant went back home well-equipped with one kit, which will serve them as memorabilia for years to come. 

Why the success of EKAM can’t be ignored 

EKAM is more than just a day-long event; it is an initiative that brings human connection into online education, and it is proof that online learning can be both social and interesting as a traditional classroom. 

EKAM 2025 was a celebration of belonging, a testament to connection, and a powerful reminder that even in a digital world, community matters.